White County, Tennessee
Community Building
Great Falls Hydroelectric Station
Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway Section House
Ravenscroft Mine
Sparta Electric Building
Sparta Hydroelectric Station
Sparta Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad Depot
Sparta Residential Historic District
Sparta Rock House
Sperry-Smith House
Bragg Invades Kentucky
Cap't Champ Ferguson
Earl Webb
Eli Sims (Simms)
France Cemetery
George Gibbs Dibrell
Joseph Kerr Monument
Lester Flatt
POW*MIA Monument
Rock House
Rotary Club of Sparta Veterans Park
Rotary Club of Sparta Veterans Park
The Double Eagle Memorial
The Rock House
The Rock House
The War Around Sparta
White County
White County Veterans Memorial
WW II Tennessee Maneuvers
The county was named after John White, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. In the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with settlers primarily farming the fertile land. Pioneers also utilized the Caney Fork River, which flows through the county, for transportation and as a water source.
During the American Civil War, White County experienced its fair share of conflict. As part of the Confederate states, the county saw a division among its residents, with some supporting the Union cause. There were instances of guerrilla warfare and skirmishes throughout the county during the war, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, White County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of railroads in the area opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. This allowed for increased industrialization, as well as the growth of new businesses and services within the county.
Today, White County maintains its rural character while also embracing its historical roots. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the picturesque Caney Fork River and the scenic landscapes of the Upper Cumberland Plateau. Visitors and residents alike can explore the county's rich history through its historic sites and landmarks, such as the White County Courthouse and the Civil War Trail.
Brief timeline of the history of White County, Tennessee:
- 1806 - White County is established
- 1817 - The county seat is chosen to be named Sparta
- 1826 - Sparta is officially incorporated as a town
- 1835 - The Sparta Male Academy is established
- 1840 - The first courthouse is built in Sparta
- 1861-1865 - White County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1883 - The Sparta Female Academy is established
- 1890 - The Eastern Tennessee Railroad reaches Sparta
- 1900 - The population of White County peaks at 14,228
- 1936 - Burgess Falls State Park is established
- 1966 - Center Hill Dam is completed, providing hydroelectric power to the area
- 1998 - The Oconee Historical Society Museum opens in Sparta
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of White County, Tennessee.